**Águas: The Legendary Goalkeeper and His Unforgettable Moments**
**Let's Begin**
Águas, the renowned Portuguese goalkeeper, is one of the most celebrated personalities in football history. Known for his amazing reflexes, leadership, and dominating presence in goal, he became a cornerstone of **Sport Lisboa e Benfica**, one of Portugal’s most legendary clubs.
In this deep dive, we study Águas’ remarkable career, the structure of his famed Benfica squad, and his **five most iconic moments** that established his reputation in football mythology.
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## **Who Was Águas?**
**José Pereira Águas** (1920–2000) was a Portuguese footballer who spent his entire professional career with **Benfica**, playing as both a prolific scorer early on and subsequently turning into a powerful goalkeeper. His flexibility, leadership, and commitment made him a club legend.
### **Benfica’s Squad During Águas’ Era**
During Águas’ prime years (1940s–1950s), Benfica possessed a star-studded lineup, often consisting of **11 starting players** plus a few vital substitutes. Football squads were smaller back then, frequently relying on a core group of players rather than deep rotations. Some of his prominent teammates included:
- **Mário Coluna** (Midfield Maestro) - **José Águas** (His son, also a Benfica hero) - **Eusébio** (Emerging superstar in later years)
Benfica dominated Portuguese football and made waves in Europe, with Águas playing a vital part in their success.
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## **5 Most Amazing Moments of Águas’ Career**
### **1. The 1954 Primeira Liga Title – The Unbeaten Season**
In the **1954–55 season**, Benfica, driven by Águas’ goalkeeping heroics, were **unbeaten** in the Primeira Liga. His ability to organize the defense and make critical stops meant Benfica surrendered the fewest goals in the league.
**Key Moment:** In the pivotal encounter against rivals **FC Porto**, Águas produced a sensational double save in the last minutes to win a 1-0 victory, claiming the title.
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### **2. The 1961 European Cup Triumph - Benfica’s First Continental Glory**
Águas was vital in Benfica’s **1961 European Cup** success, where they defeated **Barcelona 3-2** in the final. Though Eusébio generally grabs the focus, Águas’ leadership and expertise were important in coaching the youthful squad.
**Key Moment:** In the semifinal against **Rapid Wien**, Águas stopped a last-minute penalty, putting Benfica to the final.
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### **3. The 1962 European Cup Final – Defending the Title**
Benfica were back-to-back European champions in **1962**, defeating **Real Madrid 5-3** in one of the best finals ever. Águas, now in his 40s, demonstrated outstanding reflexes despite his age.
**Key Moment:** With the score at 3-3, Águas pulled off a stunning save from **Ferenc Puskás**, altering momentum before Benfica scored two late goals.
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### **4. The Derby Against Sporting CP – The Penalty Save Heard Across Lisbon**
In a heated **Lisbon Derby** in **1960**, Benfica played Sporting CP in a title-deciding encounter. With the score at 1-1, Águas saved a penalty in the **89th minute**, preserving Benfica’s lead in the league race.
**Key Moment:** The audience exploded when Águas dove to his left, palming away a thunderous strike, illustrating why he was Portugal’s finest goalkeeper.
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### **5. His Final Match - A Fitting Farewell**
Águas retired in **1963** following a **23-year career** at Benfica. His final match was a **4-0 victory** over Belenenses, when he preserved a clean sheet and earned a standing ovation.
**Key Moment:** As the final whistle rang, supporters invaded the ground to carry him off on their shoulders, a tribute to his legendary reputation.
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## **Conclusion**
Águas was more than simply a goalkeeper—he was a **leader, a pioneer, and a symbol of Benfica’s golden era**. His amazing saves, undying commitment, and participation in Benfica’s European supremacy make him one of football’s all-time greats.
From undefeated seasons to European triumph, Águas’ reputation lives on in the hearts of Benfica fans and football historians alike.
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